Flexible packaging policy recently entered a new venue—the courtroom. After years of charging ahead with new legislation and implementing regulations, state governments have suddenly found themselves on the defense legally. Since last year, packaging producers...

The Flexible Packaging industry plays a key role in the American economy. However, ongoing talent shortages, an aging workforce, and rapid technological changes, such as automation and digital printing, are making it harder to grow...

In each issue, FlexPack VOICE® interviews an industry leader or a professional who supports the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) in its various efforts. In this edition, we profile James Rosenberger, product manager of sustainable solutions...

As baby boomers continue to retire in large numbers, workforce issues likely will worsen in the manufacturing sector, especially as companies lose valuable institutional knowledge unless it can be transferred to younger generations. Artificial intelligence (AI)...

The U.S. economy closed 2024 on relatively stable footing, posting moderate growth despite persistent workforce pressures that continue to challenge manufacturers across the country. U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.8%—a slight slowdown from 3.4%...

If you attended the Flexible Packaging Association’s (FPA) 2026 Annual Meeting, you probably noticed something. Conversations about artificial intelligence (AI) were happening everywhere, not just in some of the formal sessions. AI was front and...

Sustainability has shifted from niche consideration to a central driver of packaging innovation. Consumers, regulators, and brand owners are all pushing for solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance and product protection. Consumer sentiment...

As co-chairs of the Flexible Packaging Association’s (FPA) Emerging Leadership Council (ELC), we have some news to share about the ELC. The ELC is now officially operating in accordance with its updated bylaws, which were...

As we focus on workforce development in this month’s edition of FlexPack VOICE®, I’m reminded of the classic book published in 1974, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel...

Sustainability policy is reshaping packaging decisions across the U.S., and healthcare packaging is increasingly affected by laws that were never intended to compromise patient safety. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, recycled content mandates, recyclability requirements,...

Jamie Clark recalls predicting 10 years ago while presenting at a company meeting that the biggest constraint to the company’s growth eventually would be its ability to hire and retain workers. “There were lots of...

The flexible packaging industry is preparing for its most significant operational transformation since the barcode's introduction in 1974. GS1 Sunrise 2027, the global transition from traditional one-dimensional barcodes to two-dimensional codes such as QR codes...

As an artwork compliance review company working with brands whose packaging is subject to complex regulatory requirements, we have noticed some common trends and lessons worth sharing. Between April and May 2026 alone, the United...

Extended producer responsibility for packaging has become the talk of the industry, but mandates for PCR, or postconsumer recycled content, also are getting a lot of attention as brands work on compliance. Despite many brands’...

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste published The Quest for Quality: Scaling Advanced Mechanical Recycling to Meet Recycled Content Targets for Flexibles, which provides a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of a 50,000-tonne-per-year advanced mechanical...

Flint Group Packaging Solutions will bring its latest label and packaging innovations to LOUPE Americas 2026, showcasing its largest-ever presence at the event with a combined portfolio of ink, coating, and digital print technologies from...

Consumers expect fresh produce to look appealing, stay crisp and flavorful longer, and maintain its quality from the farmer’s field to the consumer’s refrigerator. Today’s consumers are seeking healthier lifestyles and enhanced nutrition, which is...

Sun Chemical announced that its SunCure® EcoPlast direct print ink technology attained APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), marking a significant milestone for inks designed for direct printing on...

The Recycling Partnership released the first installment of its 2026 State of Recycling Report, the nation’s leading resource for residential recycling data. Moving away from a traditional single-volume release, The Partnership plans to deliver timely,...

Stahl, a global provider of specialty coatings for flexible materials, has received the platinum rating by EcoVadis for its sustainability performance. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the company has achieved the highest possible...

“By working together with different stakeholders in the value chain, we are able to accelerate innovation and reduce time to markets.” Thierry Van Migem, Director of Sales for the European region at Michelman, is talking...

Inspired by the Pregis Innovation Headquarters (IQ) located in Aurora, Ill., the new Customer Experience Centers extend the company's hallmark consultative approach by providing more convenient access to regional customers seeking Pregis professionals and solutions....

Packaging costs can represent up to 20% of product spend. A holistic approach spanning design, procurement, supply chain, and operations can unlock major savings. One way to counter the rising costs of manufacturing pharmaceuticals and...

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), the leading advocate and voice of the U.S. flexible packaging industry, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge. This year’s first- and second-place...

Klöckner Pentaplast announced that Michael Zacka, a current member of the Company's Board of Directors, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective June 22, 2026. He succeeds Roberto Villaquiran, who has decided to retire...

A 17-state coalition led by Nebraska’s attorney general has filed a federal lawsuit challenging SB 54, California’s extended producer responsibility and source reduction law. That’s according to an emailed announcement from the National Association of...

The Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF) has launched its next major initiative, FlexCircular which aims to further accelerate the UK’s transition to a circular economy for flexible plastic packaging. Building on the momentum of the award-winning...

HiFlow Solutions has launched an AI-powered invoice processing module within its packaging-specific ERP platform, automatically extracting data from emailed PDF invoices and preparing records for accounts payable workflows used by label converters, flexible packaging, folding...